Rick Perry: 'State-sponsored' or criminal hacking threat to US nuclear reactors is 'real'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Energy Secretary Rick Perry says "state-sponsored" or criminal hackers are targeting U.S. nuclear power plants, but says the government has resources to safeguard the nation's electric grid.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Energy Secretary Rick Perry says "state-sponsored" or criminal hackers are targeting U.S. nuclear power plants, but says the government has resources to safeguard the nation's electric grid.

Perry told Fox Business Network Tuesday that the threat of cyberattacks on the electric grid "is real, it's ongoing and we shouldn't be surprised when you think of the world we live in today."

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security told energy providers last week that hackers may be trying to breach their computer systems. DHS said there was no threat to public safety.

The source of the intrusions is unknown, but Perry says the hackers "may be state-sponsored" or just "criminal elements" looking for vulnerable areas.

Perry says the Energy Department has substantial resources to combat the threat.